MotoGP heading to Texas

Dorna Sports, organiser of MotoGP, has announced that the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas will be hosting a round of the championship from 2013. A ten-year contract has been agreed, which also encompasses the Moto2 and Moto3 race categories.



The Hermann Tilke designed track must be impressing the right people. Still under construction, it first hit the headlines last year when Formula 1 announced it would be using the Texas venue for the United States Grand Prix. That’s also a ten-year deal, starting from next year.

A key feature of the 3.4 mile long circuit is the substantial change in elevation, while the layout is said to have been inspired by various classic tracks. With a capacity of 120,000, there should be plenty of room for spectators.



The Circuit of the Americas race means that the United States could have three MotoGP rounds - assuming, of course, that Laguna Seca and Indianapolis remain on the calendar beyond 2012.



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Building F1 circuits

2011 Suzuki GSV-R

The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team has unveiled its 2011 challenger. Sporting a livery from Troy Lee Designs, the Suzuki GSV-R now produces over 220 bhp (165 kW / 225 PS) from its 800 cc V4 engine.

Combined with a weight of around 150 kg (330 lbs), that should be enough for a top speed of at least 205 mph (330 km/h). But that’s just one part of the performance mix - work has also been done to improve driveability and acceleration out of slow corners, while chassis stiffness has received attention to enhance handling and traction.

Rizla Suzuki will only be fielding one GSV-R this season, for Spanish rider Álvaro Bautista. The new bike will make its debut at this weekend’s MotoGP test session at Qatar, ahead of the first race of the season on 20 March which also takes place at the Losail circuit.

Yamaha YZR-M1 livery

Yamaha Factory Racing has unveiled a new colour scheme its MotoGP challenger, the YZR-M1.

The bikes may look smart finished in blue with the signature Yamaha ‘speed block’ motif, but the livery reveals that attempts to find a title sponsor for the 2011 season have failed.



Current World Champion Jorge Lorenzo remains with the team to defend his title, while replacing Valentino Rossi is Ben Spies, who moves up to the works outfit following a year at independents Tech 3.

The 2011 MotoGP championship commences on March 20 with the Grand Prix of Qatar.



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Ducati unveils GP11

Ducati unveils GP11

Ducati has revealed its new MotoGP contender, which will be ridden by Nicky Hayden and new team-mate Valentino Rossi.

Named the GP11, it features an engine that’s an evolution of the one used last year. The main objective for this season has been to get a flatter torque curve.



As far as the aerodynamics are concerned, the revised design is meant to increase top speed, reduce fuel consumption and minimise front-end lift. To help with that final item, the GP11 sports a development of the fairing-mounted winglets that were first seen during 2010.



Other significant changes from the GP10 include smaller front forks (42 mm, down from 48 mm), while the carbon fibre chassis has more flex for improved feel when the bike is leaned over.



The testing schedule for the GP11 commences at Jerez, Spain on January 17, 18 and 19 with riders Franco Battaini and Vito Guareschi on board. The programme then moves to Sepang, Malaysia, where Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden are due to put the new bike through its paces on February 1, 2 and 3.



The 2011 MotoGP championship, which consists of 18 rounds, starts with the Grand Prix of Qatar on March 20.

Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Yellow Black Design

Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Yellow Black Turing

Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Yellow Black Front Side

Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Yellow Black Side

Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Review

Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Review Right Front

The new YZF-R1 LE sports Valentino Rossi livery as the YZF-M1 MotoGP bike, but comes in a very limited number.

The new 2010 Yamaha YZF-R1LE not only gives much of the technology of the championship, Valentino Rossi, but his look and style of the championship. The R1 is the first ever production motorcycle with a transverse crankshaft. The result? Outrageous torque and raw energy at high speed by providing incredibly smooth power delivery out of corners. While the bold graphic style Fiat Yamaha provides incredibly smooth.

Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Review Side

2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 LE - USA Specifications
* MSRP $ 14,500 (Fiat Yamaha Team Graphics) Available from January 2010

Motor
Type 998cc, liquid-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve (titanium intake valves)

Diameter x 78.0mm long x 52.2mm

Compression ratio 12.7:1

Delivery fuel fuel injection with YCC-T and YCC-I

Ignition TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission 6-speed w / multi disc clutch shoe

Final Drive # 530 O-ring chain

Chassis
Suspension / Front 43mm inverted fork, fully adjustable, 4.7 in travel

Suspension / Rear Single shock w / Piggyback Reservoir, 4-position adjustable, 4.7 in travel

Brakes / Front Dual 310 mm disc, radial-mount ceiling for six piston calipers

Brakes / rear 220 mm disc, single-piston caliper

Tires / Front 120/70-ZR17

Tires / rear 190/55ZR17

Dimensions
Length 81.5 in

Width 28.1 in

Height 44.5 in

Seat Height 32.8 in

Wheelbase 55.7 in

Rake (forward angle) 24.0 °

Path to 4.0

Fuel capacity 4.8 gallons

Dry Weight 454 pounds

Another
Primary Rate Reduction 65/43 (1.512)

47/17 High Rate Reduction (2765)

Value transmission - 38/15 1st gear (2533)

Value Transmission - 2nd gear 33/16 (2063)

Value transmission - 3rd 37/21 (1762)

Value transmission - 35/23 Fourth Gear (1522)

Value transmission - 5th Gear 30/22 (1364)

1 year warranty (limited factory warranty)

Value transmission - Sixth Gear 33/26 (1269)